Beacons reflect the "first boat to cross the river": visit the 94-year-old hero of the battle of crossing the river Li Zhi

Beacon reflects the "first boat to cross the river"

——Interview with Li Zhi, a 94-year-old hero of the Battle of the Crossing River

■ Zhang Zhiqiang, a reporter of the People's Liberation Army Daily, An Puzhong, and Yue Yutong

Recently, this reporter came to the recuperation center for the third departed cadres in Hexi, Tianjin Garrison District, to visit Li Zhi, a 94-year-old hero of the Battle of crossing the River.

Hearing that this reporter was visiting, Elder Li changed into an old-fashioned military uniform full of military merit badges early in the morning. The glittering military merit medals inscribed with Elder Li's experience of struggling for the revolutionary cause made the reporters solemnly respected.

"This medal of military merit was obtained after the victory in the Battle of the Crossing River." Pointing to one of the military merit badges, Elder Li said excitedly, "At that time, the Kuomintang arrogantly shouted on the south bank of the Yangtze River, 'How many broken sailing ships of the Communist Party also want to cross the Yangtze River?' The more they say this, the more resolutely we must cross the river! Elder Li tapped the floor hard with his crutches, telling the story of the beacon years.

"Before the Battle of Crossing the River in 1949, the troops organized the study of Chairman Mao's New Year's message "Carry the Revolution through to the End," and the officers and men were greatly encouraged!" Elder Li recalled, "After the evaluation of the whole regiment, our company won the glorious mission of undertaking the task of crossing the river and making a surprise attack!" ”

Li Zhi was then the commander of the Eighth Company of the 106th Regiment of the 12th Army of the Erye Army. The officers and men of the company are mostly from the north, and most of them have poor water characteristics. In order to successfully complete the task, Li Zhi led everyone to practice swimming day and night, some people's hands and feet were blistered white, some people were sunburned with several layers of skin, but everyone was riveted.

The battle is about to begin. Before leaving, Li Zhi led the officers and men of the whole company to swear an oath with their arms raised: "We are the glorious People's Liberation Army, and we vow to carry the revolution through to the end under the leadership of the party and Chairman Mao, fight across the Yangtze River, and liberate all of China!" ”

Speaking of this, Elder Li's voice became particularly loud. The picture of the fierce battle at that time appeared in front of the reporter's eyes with The narration of Elder Li.

On that day, eight were connected to the order to forcibly cross the Yangtze River. Li Zhi led the officers and men of the company in a boat and braved the rain of bullets and bullets to charge forward desperately. However, the enemy's fire was very fierce, our personnel and equipment were damaged, and for a time, the speed of the ship slowed down.

"Comrades, even if you row with your hands, you must also strive to be the first boat!" Seeing this, Li Zhi shouted loudly, "Carry the revolution through to the end!" Liberate all of China! The officers and men shouted along with Li Zhi, braved the artillery fire, and bravely marched forward.

Lei Zhizhou, the deputy squad leader of the fourth squad, was shot in the abdomen, did not say a word, gritted his teeth and insisted on rowing; the soldier Ma Fusheng was injured in the head and left arm, but he dared to jump into the river and push the boat hard, and finally fell to the shore due to lack of physical strength...

Recalling the heroic feats of his comrades-in-arms, Elder Li choked up and burst into tears. Sun Yingxiu, an old partner who was sitting on the side, held his hand tightly and told reporters with regret: "There is still a piece of shrapnel in his left leg bone, which has not been taken out so far." He is the hero of my heart! ”

"As soon as the ship docked, the comrades jumped up, jumped on the shore, and pounced on the enemy like a tiger!" Elder Li said passionately, "I led the officers and men to take advantage of the victory and pursue them until they reached Chun'an, Zhejiang. Later, at the celebration meeting, we were awarded the honorary title of 'The First Boat To Cross the River'. ”

A piece of history, always remembered; a spirit, forever inherited. "What is the spirit of crossing the river?" It is to strengthen faith and revolutionize to the end! Elder Li said emphatically, "As Communists and revolutionary soldiers, we should continue to work hard and forge ahead and strive for greater victories!" ”

Source: China Military Network - People's Liberation Army Daily